IN BRIEF

Have your say on the BP roundabout

Submissions on the remodelling of Queenstown’s busiest intersectionFrankton roundabout and the surrounding roads - are open till next Thursday. Waka Kotahi and QLDC’s plans include replacing the State Highway 6/6A roundabout with a signalised intersection, adding bus lanes, expanding the existing bus hub and improving access for pedestrians and cyclists. Some land will need to be shaved off the Frankton Golf Centre. The plans are part of the $115 million Queenstown NZ Upgrade Programme which proposes making significant changes to the roading network in Frankton. The application can be viewed online at www.qldc.govt.nz/services/resourceconsents/notified-resource-consents#public-rc. Submissions can be made via email to rcsubmission@qldc.govt.nz until Thursday, 9 March, 2023.

Trip the light fantastic

Tickets for Luma 2023 went on sale last Wednesday, 1 March. The unique celebration of our alpine nightscape, including live music, illuminated art, sculpture, sonic environments, and interactive performance, returns to Queenstown Gardens for King’s Birthday Weekend, 1-5 June. Limited tickets are available per night, at a cost of $25 for adults, or $20 with a locals’ promo code until 15 March. Kids 12 and under are free. Visit luma.nz for more info.

New group provides warm welcome

A second Welcoming Communities Advisory Group (WCAG) has been set up in Queenstown Lakes, this time representing the Upper Clutha. The group, consisting of eight volunteers, is committed to guiding an innovative programme titled Welcoming Communities – Te Waharoa ki ngā Hapori, in partnership with Immigration New Zealand, that aims to create a welcoming environment for migrants, international students and New Zealanders who are new to our local community. The first meeting was January 24. “Having both a Whakatipu and Upper Clutha WCAG working together, sharing the views and needs of the diverse communities across our district, will help us create a strong and relevant Welcoming Plan,” QLDC Welcoming Communities Coordinator Silvia Dancose says. It will meet once a month.

Call for 2023 ECO Fund applications

Otago Regional Council’s 2023 ECO Fund is offering more support than ever for community-led projects which protect, enhance, or promote Otago’s environment. The total fund has risen by 20.8%, to $568,000. Online applications are open until Friday, 31 March. ORC’s Partnership Lead - Biodiversity, Richard Ewans, says the fund supports projects, large and small. “For example, in 2021, the Central Otago Ecological Trust received $4,860 in funding towards its Otago green skink translocation project, which is bringing 60 skinks back to their original habitat within New Zealand’s first fully fenced dryland community sanctuary in Alexandra, called Mokomoko Drylands Sanctuary, this summer.” To date, the ECO Fund has funded 100 projects, from 232 applications, totalling $1.19m out of $4.03m requested over eight rounds. For more info visit www.orc.govt.nz/eco-fund.

Free Inland Revenue Workshops 22 March 2023

Introduction to business - what taxes to pay, maintaining a cashbook, expenses, using online services and more.

GST - what is GST, GST registration, record keeping-cash book, basic adjustments, GST filing and payment Register online at www.ird.govt.nz - enter the keywords “seminars Queenstown” into the search box

WATCH REPAIRS NOW

For all your repairs, watches, clocks, batteries, key cutting & straps.

Level One, Stratton House (Below Sky City), 24 Beach Street, Queenstown

Mon - Fri, 9:30am till 5:30pm. Closed on Saturdays. Phone/ text: 027 217 0442

SEND A PHOTO OF YOU WITH THE LWB AROUND NZ to graphics@qmg.co.nz and be in to win a Devil Burger Meal Voucher